Commonwealth Autism VA

03/17/2026

Why Chefs' Cook Off Challenge Matters

“My mental health has gotten better… there were times I didn’t think I’d be able to achieve anything. I started doubting myself—feeling like I wasn’t capable. But thanks to Commonwealth Autism, I realized… I can do this. I can work at my pace and have people who support me.”

— Jakob, Career Readiness Graduate & Good Foods Grocery Team Member

Because of programs like Career Readiness, individuals like Jakob aren’t just finding jobs—they’re finding confidence, independence, and belief in what’s possible.

✨ This is the impact of your support.
✨ This is why we gather.
✨ This is why the Chef’s Cook Off Challenge matters.

Join us at the Chef’s Cook Off Challenge and be part of stories like Jakob’s.
Come experience an unforgettable night of food, community, and purpose—while helping create opportunities for more individuals to thrive.

🎟️ Get your tickets today and make an impact for the future.
https://cachefscookoffchallenge.eventbrite.com

03/16/2026

The goal of our Career Readiness & Employment Program is to support neurodivergent adults in finding long-term, sustainable employment that aligns with their passions, skills, and career goals.

Tim is a program graduate who truly embodies perseverance and positivity in the job search process. While pursuing full-time opportunities in his career field, Tim worked part-time at Good Foods Grocery and continued to stay focused on his goals.

We are so proud to share that Tim is moving on from his role at Good Foods because he has accepted a full-time position in his career field!

Congratulations, Tim! We can’t wait to see all that you accomplish next. 🎉👏

03/13/2026

https://youtu.be/_A9B5m1FVuw?si=ECva26mqL7-v-Ga0

Workplace success looks different for everyone—and that’s exactly why accommodations matter.

In our Career Readiness & Employment Program, participants learn how to become self-advocates in the workplace by identifying and requesting the accommodations they need to thrive.

We also explore universal design in neuroinclusive workplaces, helping employers and employees create environments where everyone can do their best work.

🎥 We’ve created YouTube educational shorts on workplace accommodations and Universal Design in neuroinclusive job settings.

🔗 Check the link in our bio to learn more!

An accommodation is often what comes to mind when people think about supports for individuals with disabilities. Simply put, an accommodation is a change tha...

03/12/2026

From intern to Employee of the Month, Loudoun’s journey is inspiring. Join us at Chefs’ Cook-Off Challenge to hear his story and see the impact your support makes. Get your tickets today!

www.commonwealthautism.org/events

03/11/2026

Dropping our next release... Commonwealth Autism is welcoming it’s 8th Career Readiness cohort this Summer!

The Career Readiness and Employment program teaches interns job skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, and team building. We host this program right in our very own store, Good Foods Grocery!

The program is free to participants and the internships are paid! We are interviewing for our upcoming cohort starting May 18th!

Apply here: https://www.commonwealthautism.org/adolescent-and-adult-programs/

03/10/2026

Chef Nate Gutierrez is a Richmond street-food OG who built his legacy from the pavement up. From grinding it out on the Virginia Commonwealth University campus to opening Nate’s Taco Truck Stop in historic Jackson Ward, Nate has been serving bold flavors rooted in his New Mexican heritage for years.

Now a partner at Don’t Look Back, his no-nonsense, street-side hustle remains a cornerstone of the RVA food scene.
From the VCU bricks to the heart of the Ward — Nate doesn’t just cook.
He represents.

Catch him at Chefs’ Cook-Off Challenge.

https://cachefscookoffchallenge.eventbrite.com

03/04/2026

Meet Chaytor!

Week 3 of his internship and we are so impressed with him! Chaytor shows up each day positive, smiling, and eager to learn. His attitude and willingness to grow are exactly what our Career Readiness & Employment program is all about.

We are so excited to see his continued growth over the next few months — and we can’t wait to celebrate all he accomplishes along the way!

02/27/2026

Neuroinclusivity in the Workplace Matters!

Neuroinclusivity means creating work environments where people of all neurotypes — including autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other neurodivergent individuals — are genuinely welcomed, understood, and supported.

Did you know that over 30% of team members at Commonwealth Autism Good Foods Grocery identify as neurodivergent? — and their skills, perspectives, and contributions have been essential to our success!!!

Inclusive workplaces:
• Reduce barriers to communication & collaboration
• Honor diverse ways of thinking & problem-solving
• Support both employees and customers with empathy
and so much more!

Let’s champion neurodiversity as a commitment to real inclusion.

Want to learn more? 🎥 Check out our Neuroinclusivity in the Workplace videos on YouTube - LINK IN BIO. Check out "The Definition of Neuroinclusivity" by Commonwealth Autism here.

Neuroinclusivity is when everyone is included and can participate no matter how their brain is wired – whether it is wired in a “typical” way or a different ...

02/25/2026

Yesterday, February 24, Commonwealth Autism, in collaboration with the Autism Advocacy Coalition, proudly participated in Autism Advocacy Day at the Capitol!

Each year, our advocates—including Autistic self-advocates, parents and caregivers, service providers, and community leaders—share their powerful personal stories and lived experiences.

Together, we provide education and insight on critical pieces of legislation that have the potential to improve the lives of countless Autistic individuals across Virginia.

Advocacy matters. Lived experience matters. And when our community shows up, change is possible.

02/24/2026

Ellen Victoria Luckey, Founder of Victoria's Kitchen Cooking School, is joining the Chefs’ Cook-Off!

Ellen has transformed a local cooking initiative into a multi-city movement teaching youth essential life skills through hands-on culinary experiences.

You may also recognize her as Executive Producer of Victoria’s Family Kitchen: Cooking with Love on The CW Richmond, and from family cooking segments with VPM.

A 2026 Remarkable Woman nominee and recipient of the 2024 Emerging Leader Under 40 Award from Richmond BizSense and Brown Edwards, plus the 2023 Young Entrepreneur Award from ChamberRVA, Ellen is proof that food can fuel both purpose and community.

At Chefs’ Cook-Off, she’s bringing more than flavor — she’s bringing heart.

Get ready to taste the difference.

02/23/2026

This past Saturday, Commonwealth Autism and All Needs Planning hosted our very first Soul Sparks Dating Mixer 💫

Finding genuine connection can be challenging—especially when traditional dating spaces aren’t designed with neurodivergent minds in mind. Soul Sparks was created to offer a welcoming, supportive environment where authentic connection comes first.
With intention and openness, participants gathered in a relaxed group setting before moving into more intimate 1:1 conversations—all with the goal of building meaningful, long-term relationships.

💛 6 dates took place
💛 matches were made!

And yes… some may have left with butterflies and phone numbers for a second date.

We love creating spaces where connection feels possible. Stay tuned for the next one!

02/19/2026

Early Bird Tickets Ending Soon!

Time is running out to secure early bird pricing for the 2026 Chefs’ Cook-Off Challenge!

Join us for an unforgettable evening of exceptional food, talented local chefs, and a powerful celebration of community — all in support of Commonwealth Autism Programs and the individuals and families we serve.

Early bird tickets: $125 per person
Prices increase after February 28

Don’t miss your chance to save and be part of this incredible night. Spots are limited — grab your tickets now!

Get yours at the link below.



https://cachefscookoffchallenge.eventbrite.com